Protecting yourself
Whether you're already having sex or just thinking about having sex, it's important to know what to do to look after yourself and your partner/s. Below are some basic guidelines about how to protect yourself and others.
Some basic sexual health guidelines.... |
If it itches or burns, leaks or smells bad, go see a doctor for a check-up.
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Even if it doesn't, you should still get a check-up once a year, or more often if you have sex with lots of different partners. That's because sexually transmitted infections (STI's) don't always show symptoms. Unless you get a regular check-up, you may not know you've got one until you pass it onto someone else! |
Having an untreated STI makes it easier to get and pass on HIV, because inflammation makes it easier for the virus to enter the body and attach itself to immune cells. It can also cause pain and infertility in both men and women if left untreated for too long. Some strains of the wart virus (HPV) can also cause cancer if left undetected. |
Condoms don't protect you from STI's that are passed on by skin-to-skin contact, because the condom doesn't cover all the skin around your genitals. But don't panic, because these infections are easy to detect and treat or cure. Condoms do protect you against HIV and other STI's which are carried in bodily fluids. |
Getting a check-up takes about fifteen minutes, it's free or cheap, totally confidential, and it isn't going to hurt. You don't need to feel embarrassed, because most doctors have seen it all before and it's no big deal. - Don't be Shy! |